Article Summary –
Cindy Stewart and fellow retirees express deep concern over proposed cuts and office closures at the Social Security Administration under the Trump administration, fearing significant impacts on their benefits, which they depend on after years of contributions. Nearly 500 individuals attended a town hall in Bethlehem, organized by Democratic groups, to voice these concerns, alongside frustrations about potential Medicaid reductions, criticizing Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie for not attending. Mackenzie, who held a separate telephone town hall, supports protecting benefits for seniors and vulnerable populations but voted for a budget resolution that includes substantial federal spending cuts to fund tax cuts and other initiatives, raising fears about the impact on essential services like Medicaid and SNAP.
Cindy Stewart, an Allentown resident, retired after 54 years of work only to face concerns about her Social Security benefits. The Trump administration plans to cut thousands of jobs and close offices at the Social Security Administration, causing anxiety for many retirees.
“I’ve paid in for 54 years and depend on it,” Stewart explained, voicing fear that the program could be dismantled. “I think everybody’s so upset, because what can we do?” she added.
On March 20, nearly 500 people gathered at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem for a People’s Town Hall, organized by Democratic groups, including the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. The event was part of a national effort to let constituents express concerns about Trump’s administration plans, such as Medicaid cuts and Social Security worries.
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie was invited but didn’t attend, opting instead for a telephone town hall. Former Rep. Susan Wild, who lost to Mackenzie in November, did attend.
Emotions ran high as attendees voiced their fears about Medicaid and Social Security cuts, which some claim could severely impact retirees. “I can’t express how upsetting it is,” Darlene Horwath said, fearing for her future.
Retired nurses Colleen and Russ Sutton expressed similar worries. “It’s not an entitlement when you pay into it,” Russ mentioned, equating it to insurance.
The White House insists cuts won’t affect benefits, but many at the town hall remain skeptical. “There’s no other recourse for us,” Horwath emphasized.
Attendees hoped Mackenzie would hear their cries about programs like Medicaid. Criticism of Mackenzie’s no-show was voiced, with Wild drawing on her past town hall experiences.
Mackenzie later addressed these issues during his phone town hall, reiterating commitments to Social Security and Medicare.
To fund Trump’s tax cuts, a budget resolution pushed for $880 billion in Medicaid cuts. Mackenzie and other PA Republicans voted for it. Parents fear cuts might be devastating for children with disabilities, according to interviews.
Michelle Ritter, a mental health care provider, warned that Medicaid cuts could be catastrophic for struggling families. “The world is scary when you work hard, yet it’s still too expensive to live,” she said.
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